Juicy Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sliders Recipe for Family Joy

Mouthwatering pesto mozzarella chicken sliders promise a delightful twist on classic party fare.

Nestled between soft mini buns, these compact sandwiches burst with fresh herb and cheese flavors.

Layers of tender chicken combine perfectly with vibrant green pesto spread.

Melted mozzarella creates a creamy texture that complements each savory bite.

Summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners welcome this simple yet impressive dish.

Small in size but massive in taste, these sliders deliver serious flavor without complicated preparation.

You can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe in under 30 minutes and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this pesto chicken slider special?

The combination of homemade pesto, melted mozzarella, and seasoned chicken creates a burst of Italian-inspired flavors in every bite.

• Can I use pre-made pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works perfectly if you’re short on time or don’t want to make it from scratch.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Cook chicken at medium heat and avoid overcooking. Season well and use olive oil to keep the meat tender and flavorful.

• Are these sliders good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before baking, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or game day snacks.

Flavorful Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sliders to Impress

• Whip Up Quickly: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these sliders a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for turkey or add extra toppings like crispy bacon or fresh arugula to match your taste preferences.
• Party-Perfect Bites: These mini sliders are ideal for game day, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, offering a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's both delicious and shareable.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Melted mozzarella and Parmesan create a gooey, flavorful topping that elevates the classic chicken slider to a mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients for Making Perfect Chicken Sliders

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that forms the hearty base of these delicious sliders.
• Slider Buns: Soft, small rolls that create the perfect handheld sandwich.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty cheese that adds richness to the sliders.
• Pesto: Flavorful herb sauce that brings a vibrant, aromatic element to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that provide depth and enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty touch to the slider tops.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and adds a subtle richness.
• Melted Butter: Creates a golden, crispy bun exterior.

• Fresh Basil, Tomato Slices: Fresh ingredients that add a bright, colorful finish to the sliders.

How to Assemble Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken thoroughly, ensuring it’s golden brown and cooked through.

This takes about 6-7 minutes on each side.

Once done, slice the chicken into perfect slider-sized portions.

Step 2: Build Delicious Slider Stacks

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C).

Arrange slider bun bottoms on a baking sheet.

• Cooked chicken slices
• Fresh pesto
• Creamy mozzarella cheese

Gently place the bun tops over the cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Golden and Cheesy Bake

Brush the slider tops with melted butter.

Sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over each slider.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt and the buns to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves
• Sliced tomatoes

Serve these mouthwatering sliders immediately while they’re warm and irresistibly gooey.

Tips for Juicy and Cheesy Sliders Every Time

• Cut chicken into even, thin pieces to ensure consistent cooking and easy slider assembly.
• Use fresh, high-quality pesto for maximum flavor and authentic taste in your sliders.
• Let mozzarella come to room temperature before adding to sliders for smoother, more even melting.
• Gently brush melted butter on bun tops for a golden, crispy exterior that adds rich flavor.
• Replace slider buns with lettuce wraps for a lighter, gluten-free version of this delicious dish.

Variations to Customize Your Sliders

• Vegetarian Caprese Sliders: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or thick sliced eggplant, maintaining the pesto and mozzarella flavors.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps instead of traditional bread, keeping all other ingredients the same.
• Mediterranean Chicken Sliders: Swap pesto with tzatziki sauce, add cucumber slices, and use feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Sliders: Replace pesto with chipotle mayo, add pepper jack cheese, and include roasted green chiles for a zesty southwestern profile.

Serving Suggestions for Parties and Gatherings

• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Slice these sliders into smaller portions for easy sharing during sports events or movie marathons.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these sliders in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, keeping them wrapped in foil to maintain warmth and freshness.
• Mediterranean Twist: Pair with a light Greek salad or cucumber tzatziki for a refreshing side that complements the pesto and mozzarella flavors.
• Wine & Dine Companion: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the herb and cheese notes.

Storage Tips for Freshness and Reheating

• Store sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each slider individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place sliders in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Separate layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with date and contents.
• Unwrap frozen or refrigerated sliders. Preheat oven to 350F. Place on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Remove foil, place slider on microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to prevent soggy buns.

Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sliders Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mozzarella pesto chicken sliders deliver a delightful Mediterranean-inspired mini sandwich experience. Crisp bread, melted cheese, and herb-infused chicken create a perfect bite-sized meal for casual gatherings and quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• 12 soft slider buns or dinner rolls

Flavor Enhancers and Sauces:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing buns)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Tomato slices (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with aromatic garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, carefully cooking chicken until completely done, approximately 6-7 minutes on each side.
3. Slice the cooked chicken into precise portions suitable for slider assembly.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a baking sheet for slider construction.
5. Arrange slider bottom buns evenly across the baking sheet as a foundational layer.
6. Layer each bottom bun with freshly sliced chicken pieces.
7. Spread a generous dollop of vibrant pesto sauce over the chicken.
8. Top pesto with melted mozzarella cheese, creating a creamy texture.
9. Crown each slider with corresponding top buns.
10. Gently brush slider tops with melted butter for golden, crispy exterior.
11. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese across the buttered surface for additional flavor complexity.
12. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until cheese becomes perfectly melted and buns transform to a delicate golden hue.
13. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and delicate tomato slices for visual appeal.
14. Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.

Notes

• Customize chicken thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness by pounding breasts to uniform 1/2-inch thickness before seasoning.
• Swap regular chicken for grilled or rotisserie chicken to reduce active cooking time and add different flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps to make recipe suitable for low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Choose fresh mozzarella for creamier texture and richer taste compared to pre-shredded packaged cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 352 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg